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External territory of Australia
Photo: paullymac, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Cocos Malay: Pulu Kokos (Keeling), Malay Wilayah Kepulauan Cocos (Keeling)) or simply Cocos Islands or Keeling Islands are a chain of islands in two adjacent atolls, in the middle of the Indian Ocean some 2,750 km northwest of Perth, and around 900 km west-southwest of Christmas Island. The islands are generally considered to be the southernmost point of Asia.
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Watersport holidays. Windsurfing, SUP'ing, kiting.
An unspoiled national park, full of coral reefs and rich in wildlife. It is accessible via a 32-km boat ride, although you will need to have some swimming skills to get there. The national park is also home to several endangered species, which can only be found in Pulu Keeling National Park.
Pulu Cocos Museum Cultural and Heritage Precinct, Home Island Museum
This multipurpose visitor centre and museum was established to preserve Home Island's distinct Malay culture and what the islands were like under Clunies Ross' control. It includes objects used by the indentured Malay labourers with military objects, along with some otherwise seemingly random objects that preserve the island's distinct culture (such as wayang kulit). Everything in the museum is bilingual in Malay and English.
Play the most westerly golf course in Australia that also includes an international runway! Locals and visitors meet every Thursday afternoon for a friendly game of "Scroungers" (Ambrose). Be at the Donga (next to the West Island Supermarket) at 3:30PM. All adults are more than welcome, club hire is available and a full bar. You won't play this kind of golf anywhere else in the world, not to be missed!
Last-minute shopping for whatever you need. Fresh breads on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Seafood & Western meals.
Classical Malay fare from where the Cocos Malay lives.
Eat a hearty breakfast or a light dessert, or just drop by for a cup of coffee. Opens for dinner on Thursdays.
Salty's Fish & Chips
Bakery and restaurant. Restaurant specials: Sunday: pizza; Tuesday: sushi, pizza and Malay food; Thursday: kebab rolls and chips; Friday: gish, chips and salad night,; Saturday: grilled burger and chips.
Famous for its fish and chips on Friday nights, in addition to Singaporean and Malay cuisine.
Offering parmigiana, burgers, and pizzas on some nights. A place to hang out with the locals and daily nighttime activities. Alcohol are duty free but the price erases out the advantage compared to the mainland.
10 Self-contained Bungalow style rooms.
This 28-room motel is in the middle of town, on the beach, across the road from the Cocos Club and airport, and a short walk to the supermarket. Many of the rooms have direct views to the Indian Ocean. Ideally suited to couples, singles or twin. Private en suite and air conditioned. Three family rooms are available. On site restaurant: The Tropika.
Architecturally designed cottages, purpose-built tourist accommodation, overlooking the golf course and the lagoon. They offer spacious bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, large undercover deck areas and on site BBQ area. Located within easy walking distance of the supermarket, Cocos Club, tennis courts, golf club, restaurants and other facilities.
It provides internet access and printing facilities. Mobile phones are available for hire and wireless vouchers for your laptops. Come in for a coffee and check your emails, get some information, grab a tide chart or take home a classic Cocos Calendar.
By plane
There is an airport on West Island. Virgin Australia has two scheduled triangle flights weekly between Perth, Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
By boat
Yachts can dock at the Cocos Islands. Bring required documents.
50. The best place to catch the bus is in fact not the designated bus stop on Sydney Highway opposite the airport, as the bus doesn't always go by there.
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West Island · International · CCK
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